Model year guide

2012 Dodge Caliber

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Dodge Caliber is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 70 on record.

2012 Dodge Caliber — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Dodge Caliber at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints49
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$8,692

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Dodge Caliber recalls 1

Seat Belts:pretensioner NHTSA Campaign #16V668000 · 15/09/2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbe…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Dodge Caliber common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2012 Dodge Caliber MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,467

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Dodge Caliber worth?

Low
$5,100
Typical price
$8,692
High
$11,000

From 69 comparable 2012 Dodge Caliber listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Dodge Caliber costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,335
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,350
Total$17,685
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($8,692) with the same model 5 model-years older ($3,367), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Dodge Caliber trims & engines on record

Trims
SXT · SE · SXT Plus
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl

2012 Dodge Caliber vehicles on record

2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA0CD535662 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA9CD531125 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA3CD535039 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA2CD508415 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDAXCD532946 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA8CD528636 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDAXCD534390 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA3CD527183 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDAXCD507612 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA4CD506245 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA5CD527511 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA1CD531636 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA3CD535848 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA0CD527612 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA2CD536568 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA0CD536889 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA0CD508414 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA1CD507613 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA9CD532503 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA5CD535673 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA1CD500841 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA9CD508637 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT Plus1C3CDWEA4CD531628 2012 Dodge Caliber 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT1C3CDWDA3CD534490

Other Dodge Caliber model years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

2012 Dodge Caliber — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2012 Dodge Caliber. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Caliber?

Based on 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, suspension, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Dodge Caliber get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Dodge Caliber at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 28 highway).

How much is a 2012 Dodge Caliber worth?

Comparable 2012 Dodge Caliber listings run roughly $5,100–$11,000, typically around $8,692 (from 69 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.